The Lions who will create history in New Zealand

Wearing your nation’s colours in any sport is a special moment, the height of an athlete’s career. Whether it’s one cap or a century of them, it’s a story for the grandkids and the part which stands out on the individuals CV.

However, rugby offers more; goes one further. The chance to own the jersey, and become a British and Irish Lion; that’s the pinnacle and the ultimate honour in the sport. As if there’s not enough passion in the sport, the opportunity of becoming a Lion every four years creates a caldron of emotion and pride, as the Northern Hemisphere goes to battle with the Southern Hemisphere.

Following a highly competitive Six Nations, places in the starting XV this summer seem harder than ever to own. But, if Kiwi coach, Warren Gatland, selects this starting XV, the lads will be sure to create history in New Zealand come the 8th of July…

VIT Nukeduck

Source: Riot Games Flickr

G2 eSports UoL

Source: Riot Games Flickr

SKT MSI Stage Exit

Source: Riot Games Flickr

5th: Team Dignitas

Team Dignitas may be the biggest wildcard of the upcoming split, a team loaded with potential and talent who had a very tumultuous first split. The addition of subs Shrimp and Big should provide flexibility to a roster that has continued to synergize as the season progressed. If LOD is able to keep up with the other ADCs in NA, Dignitas will be a team to watch out for.

PerkZ G2

Source: Riot Games Flickr

3rd: Cloud9

Coming off a 2-1 series victory over Team SoloMid, Cloud9 had a less than impressive showing at Rift RIvals. With the news that the majority of the team was sick at the event, we will cut C9 a break and still have them as a top three team in NA. If they can find consistency from their two top laners, Cloud9 could challenge for the NA LCS crown once again.

Scrum-half: Conor Murray

Partnerships are crucial in the backs, and the Irish half-backs are the best in the North. Image Source: Twitter

Faker SKT

Source: OGN

3rd: Phoenix1

Following their third place finish in the Spring Split, do not expect much drop off from Phoenix1 in the upcoming split. NA MVP Arrow should excel in a meta that emphasizes ADCs, and both Ryu and Zig have proven to be more than competent solo laners. The only unknown for Phoenix1 seems to be new support Shady, who was given the starting position despite his poor performances near the end of the last split.

7th: Team EnVyUs

Team NV could be a dark horse in NA moving forward, with a star jungler and consistent bot lane play that has led to significant improvement from their last place finish in the Spring Split. WIth both Pirean and Nisqy showing they can hold their own in the mid lane, NV should finish the season as a contender for a playoff spot.

10th: Team Liquid

Team Liquid may have hit rock bottom halfway through the second split of the 2017 season. With constant substitutions in their starting lineup, Team Liquid have yet to find the right combination to push them forward. For Team Liquid, it is time to start thinking about next season already.

2nd: Counter Logic Gaming

Expectations were high for Counter Logic Gaming entering the split after the arrival of Dardoch, and those expectation have been mostly met as CLG currently sits atop the NA LCS standings. With greatly improved play from top laner Darshan, CLG have become a favorite to capture another NA LCS title. Do not be surprised to find them as one of the two teams playing in the Finals in Boston.

FNC Quaye

Agree with the decisions? Special mentions should go to James Haskell, Ross Moriarty, Robbie Henshaw and Dan Biggar, but the importance from the bench should not be undervalued. England’s ability to utilise their world-class replacements in the Six Nations proved hugely effective in the final 20 minutes, and such would be the case with the British and Irish Lions this summer.